Insuring for Household Hazards
When You Have Mold Damage, Who Pays?

Mold—it’s an ugly four-letter word in more ways than one. Nobody wants to think about
the fact that this fungus can be found anywhere where water leaks or drainage
problems are present. Mold can cause serious damage to a co-op or condominium,
like ruining drywall, and is believed to trigger numerous health problems in
susceptible persons.

But when your home is contaminated by mold, and you just want it to go away, who
pays for the damage and the cleanup? Is it the responsibility of the homeowner?
Is it the cooperative board or condo association’s responsibility? Is it the next door neighbors’ responsibility if the water came from their unit and damaged yours? The answer
to all of these questions is…it depends.

The co-op's umbrella or condo association's master policy, as well as the
various governing documents, spell out what parts of the complex are covered
and what parts are the shareholder or unit owner’s responsibility. Typically most insurance covers the co-op or condo building,
any common property such as hallways, lobbies and shared terraces, etc., as
well as liability insurance for the board and association. Whenever any kind of
moisture is introduced into a building structure—prewar or brand-spanking-new—whether in the form of a major flooding event or just a minor leak, it brings
with it the possibility of mold infiltration and all its attendant risk to
property and health. Even if you have full homeowners and flood insurance,
mold-related damage may not be included in your coverage.

To tackle mold from the bottom up, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure, and being one step ahead of the nasty but nearly ubiquitous stuff is
really the only defense against it—the longer you wait to deal with a mold issue, the more it may cost to correct
it, and the less pity your insurance carrier is likely have for you.

Mold Exposure

Whatever the root cause, mold damage can be devastating. While the data isn’t definitive, strong anecdotal evidence suggests that mold spores in a home can
contribute to a broad range of health issues, including eye irritation,
congestion, asthma and other respiratory distress, skin rashes, and even mood
and behavior problems, particularly in young children. Getting rid of mold can
be a lengthy, expensive process—and standard homeowners insurance policies don’t always foot the bill.

5
Comments

My co-op has mold inside the central air conditioners. Isn't this the responsiblity of the management to clean? There is water inside the units which apparently caused the mold. The maintenance crew will only change the filter but will not clean the unit or standing water. The manager told us it was our responsiblity. Please advise. Thank you...

hi. I wanted your advice on my situation. My upstairs neighbors shower leaked into my walls. The ceiling and parts of the wall are wet and the paint is starting to bubble and peel, I just painted (side note). I am worried about the repairs and the potential for mold in the wall, is that something the coop will remedy or is it up to me? How do you suggest going foward?

Just recently, I noticed black dots littered behind a painting on my walls which were bleeding (trails of moisture from the ceiling to the floor). When I removed a chair to investigate further, there was a plethora of black spots near the molding on the floor and at the crown of the ceiling. I immediately attacked with bleach but feel I should call in a professional. in the 10 years in my apt, I've never seen this before. I'm not aware of any pointing needed or what the root cause is. Should I call management or contact a professional first?

My Condo was flooded by a main pipe in the unit above. This has been a problem for years according to the neighbors. These leaks were not disclosed to me when I bought the place for my son to live in while attending school. There were a few leaks which he reported right away and the HOA came and patched the drywall. This last leak required a demo co.to tear out walls and ceilings and dry it out. I see tons o f.c black mold all over the inside walls and other areas. I w asasadvised to get an inspector and lawyer before they just"patch" it up again . Should they pay for the inspection? What as t are they hey responsible for-it was the HOA line that keeps breaking and being patched

I have a similar problem, except the leaking is from the roof and or the building's exterior brickwork. The roof is very old and has neen patched over over rhe years. Roofers apparently have not been able to licate or solve the recurring leaking problem
I hired a licensed mold assessor (new york state). The managing agent of the condo verbally agreed to reimburse me for that expense.
My question is whether a licensed mold remediator must be used, or can the building hire a contractor who does sheetrock to remove rhe mold? I intend to take a course that is the same course taken to become a licensed mold remiator, but I am taking it for my own information, not to obtain a license.

REBNY's highly anticipated Residential Management Breakfast with over 500 attendees brings together owners, developers, and property managers to recognize and honor outstanding leaders in the field of residential property management. For information, visit www.rebny.com.

Session 1: “Capital Projects and Ways to Finance”; Session 2: “How Restoration and Insurance go ‘Hand in Hand’” No cost and limited to managers, board members and volunteers. To register, info@brainerdcommunications.com or 888-445-7946.

This 3-part class gives boards of very small buildings the tools they need to run their buildings efficiently, and to use professionals and vendors to best advantage. Registrants are strongly encouraged to attend all three sessions, the first presents an administrative overview; the second focuses on the physical plant and the third on financial responsibilities. Representatives of CNYC member buildings attend the series for $100; non-affiliates are welcome at a fee of $90 per session, payable in advance. Advance reservations are required. Call the CNYC office at (212) 496-7400 or send e-mail to workshops@CNYC.coop to to pre-reserve your place. Your payment confirms your registration. To pay at the door, pre- register and add $15.

Anderson Kill's Co-op and Condo Group Presents a Seminar Series Part II: "Legal Update"

Updates in the law happen every year and it is important for coop and condo boards to keep informed of the new requirements affecting their buildings. This seminar will focus on the most recent new rules and regulations for coop and condos, ranging from disclosure of conflicts of interest to instituting a smoking policy, from filing bedbug history reports to installation of water-saving fixtures. We will go through the deadlines for compliance and how coop and condo boards can effectively implement these new policies. Registration: 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.; seminar: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.; networking cocktail reception: 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.. For information, visit www.andersonkill.com.

CNYC: Introduction To Co-Op Board Responsibilities: An Intensive Seminar For New Directors

In this 2-session class, attorney Marc Luxemburg and property manager Gregory Carlson examine all aspects of operating cooperatives. The class is limited to board members of housing cooperatives. It is jointly sponsored by CNYC, the Federation of New York Housing Cooperatives and Condominiums and the Association of Riverdale Cooperatives, each of whose members attend at the member rate.. Advanced registration is required. A light supper is served in the break. The cost is $125 per person if your cooperative is a member of CNYC; FNYHC, CAI Big Apple Chapter or ARC; $200 for non- members. Pre-reserve, by phone (212) 496-7400 or e-mail to workshops@CNYC.coop . Payment sent to CNYC at 250 West 57 Street, Suite 730, NYC 10107 confirms your registration. There is a surcharge of $15 for late payment.

Learn about the latest building services from more than 300 exhibitors. Attend educational seminars, Get free advice from industry experts, and network with your peers at this leading real estate trade show in New York. For more information and to register, visit https://coopexpo.com.

At BMAC Tri-State we will be diving into: rising interest rates, and multifamily financing; development risks: trade tariffs, construction labor shortages, government regulations; second cities, the quest for the urban lifestyle and proximity to what matters; new technology, artificial intelligence and amenities; affordability; investment opportunity and trends. For information, visit www.bisnow.com.

CNYC: Introduction To Co-Op Board Responsibilities: An Intensive Seminar For New Directors

In this 2-session class, attorney Marc Luxemburg and property manager Gregory Carlson examine all aspects of operating cooperatives. The class is limited to board members of housing cooperatives. It is jointly sponsored by CNYC, the Federation of New York Housing Cooperatives and Condominiums and the Association of Riverdale Cooperatives, each of whose members attend at the member rate.. Advanced registration is required. A light supper is served in the break. The cost is $125 per person if your cooperative is a member of CNYC; FNYHC, CAI Big Apple Chapter or ARC; $200 for non- members. Pre-reserve, by phone (212) 496-7400 or e-mail to workshops@CNYC.coop . Payment sent to CNYC at 250 West 57 Street, Suite 730, NYC 10107 confirms your registration. There is a surcharge of $15 for late payment.

The Business of Running your Community Rates $50 - CAI Members $100 - Non-Members Do you serve on the board of your association? Are you considering serving? Whether you are a seasoned board member, a recently elected board member or unit owner wanting to understand more about how an association runs, this is course it for you! For information: Ellen Felix
ellen@caict.org, 860-633-5692.

Grab a seat with your group. Attendees choose topics and our industry leaders rotate table to table and provide answers. Wrap up with a summary discussion and some door prizes! NO CHARGE and limited to board members, managers, volunteers. To register: info@brainerdcommunications.com or 888-445-7946.

Grab a seat with your group. Attendees choose topics and our industry leaders rotate table to table and provide answers. Wrap up with a summary discussion and some door prizes! NO CHARGE and limited to board members, managers, volunteers. To register: info@brainerdcommunications.com or 888-445-7946.

Our Spring Fling Event includes an education program from 3:00 - 5:00 pm open to homeowners & managers. Immediately following is our networking party which is open to everyone. Please register for this event by the status that best describes you. (i.e. Homeowner, Manager, Service Provider). For information, visit Ellen Felix, ellen@caict.org, 860-633-5692

Neighborhoods in NYC tend to start out on the fridge with some great foundations, grow in popularity, see continued capital investment pour in, and then get too expensive for most of the initial residents. How can one best time this cycle and find a way to get in on an emerging market before everyone else knows? Join us and find out! For information, visit www.bisnow.com.

The CAI Annual Conference and Exposition provides education sessions on operations, leadership, innovative business practices and new products and technologies. Industry professionals and homeowner volunteer leaders from around the world come together
to discuss critical issues, network and learn about the latest community association trends. For information, visit www.suncoastcai.com.

A must attend for all board members, property managers, condo & HOA decision makers and apartment building owners. Learn about the latest services from more than 300 exhibitors. Attend educational seminars, network with your peers and get free advice from industry experts. For more information, visit www.nj-expo.com.

News

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4 Unique Factors To Consider When Shopping For A Condo - Forbes

3/18/2019
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For the most part, shopping for a condo is a lot like shopping for a single-family home.
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3/18/2019
Brooklyn Botanic Garden fears being left in the shade by proposed condo towers - The Real Deal

3/18/2019
Brooklyn Botanic Garden fears being left in the shade by proposed condo towers - The Real Deal

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is opposing zoning changes that would allow Bruce Eichner’s Continuum Company and Joel Bergstein’s Lincoln Equities to build two residential towers at 960 Franklin Street in Crown Heights, according to the Wall Street Journal.
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3/15/2019
Proposal to eliminate voids in NYC buildings will be a ‘challenge,’ experts say - Curbed

3/15/2019
Proposal to eliminate voids in NYC buildings will be a ‘challenge,’ experts say - Curbed

Advocates are calling on the city to strengthen a zoning amendment that seeks to crack down on excessive mechanical voids often abused to increase a building’s height, but engineers and architects warn that the revision would create “new challenges” for those tasked with efficiently designing buildings.
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3/15/2019
Court deals blow to controversial Upper West Side tower - Crain's New York Business

3/15/2019
Court deals blow to controversial Upper West Side tower - Crain's New York Business

A court has overruled the city's decision to allow construction of an Upper West Side condo tower that has sparked outrage from community groups and elected officials.
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3/14/2019
Billionaire Stephen Ross Insists Hudson Yards Is For Everyone. And He’s Unhappy That No One Believes Him. - Forbes

3/14/2019
Billionaire Stephen Ross Insists Hudson Yards Is For Everyone. And He’s Unhappy That No One Believes Him. - Forbes

Stephen Ross, the 78-year-old billionaire real estate titan behind the most ambitious, most expensive, most criticized mixed-use development in Manhattan’s history, the $25 billion Hudson Yards, loves to walk.
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3/14/2019
If You Gild It, Will They Come? - NY Times

3/14/2019
If You Gild It, Will They Come? - NY Times

On Friday, the Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards will open, the culmination of more than a decade of planning, strategizing and developing, and New York City will have the newest, shiniest, largest expression of what we used to call a “mall.”
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HFZ’s Ziel and Helene Feldman and Nir Meir hosted a topping out for The XI, their Bjarke Ingels-designed residential project at 76 11th Ave., which will have the first-ever urban Six Senses hotel.
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Sotheby’s International Real Estate is accusing a property company of bilking it out of a hefty ­commission arising from the alleged sale of a multimillion –dollar condo at 520 Park Ave. to the billionaire owner of the Los Angles Angels, Arte Moreno, according to court papers.
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3/11/2019
On Fourth Avenue, a condo building inspired by Brooklyn brownstones launches from $1.7M - Curbed

3/11/2019
On Fourth Avenue, a condo building inspired by Brooklyn brownstones launches from $1.7M - Curbed

Sales have launched at Parlour, Park Slope’s newest luxe building that’s rising on Brooklyn’s Fourth Avenue.
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3/11/2019
New NYC apartments for sale: Spring 2018 - Curbed

3/11/2019
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Spring is just around the corner, which can only mean one thing: New York City’s real estate market is about to pick up, and quickly.
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Cooperator.com is an online edition of The New York Cooperator newspaper. The publication serves the co-op and condo community with thousands of free articles on management, finance, maintenance and more...